A6 2.0 vs 2.7 tdi reliability

[Chriseybaby]

Im looking at either a 2.0 tdi or 2.7 tdi with approx 13k on the clock. Im not overly worried about the performance difference, but would like to know which engine is less likely to cause me expensive bills. I know alot of it will be down to how its been driven / maintained / luck but am hoping there is a general consensus.

[AdiHH]

Before I got mine I did some internet digging. My personal opinion after reading a lot of owner reports and reviews is that the 2.0 seems to have had a lot of issues with reliability and that the 2.7 is also not great but better than the 2.0.

[bakili]

Strange, could not find any reliability issues reports or major problems with a6.
Off cause 2.7 engine will work less hard than 2.0 engine, so most likely it will last longer. Don't forget that servicing cost will be higher on 2.7.

I do owe 2.0 tdi, and very pleased with it, does not feel underpowered and very economical and affordable to service.

Issues been mentioned on this forum with A6 are, condensation in tail lights, water leak from rear screen wash pipe (avant only).

[ruggedscot]

The 2.7 anytime - the 2.0 had a cam belt that if it snaps can cost plenty - the 2.7 has a chain and this is more robust. Still both cars need to be serviced and Id not bother with the halfords servicing lol a decent audi independant should suffice.

[seventh-heaven]

Off cause 2.7 engine will work less hard than 2.0 engine, so most likely it will last longer. Don't forget that servicing cost will be higher on 2.7.

Can't see that the servicing bills will be any different - might take a little more oil to do the change - but I service both on my cars 2.0 in A3 and 3.0 in A6. Oil and air filters comparable in price - doesn't need much else.

In fact 2.7 & 3.0 will be cheaper in long run due to no cam belt to change!

[JimC64]

Can't see that the servicing bills will be any different - might take a little more oil to do the change - but I service both on my cars 2.0 in A3 and 3.0 in A6. Oil and air filters comparable in price - doesn't need much else.

In fact 2.7 & 3.0 will be cheaper in long run due to no cam belt to change!


I'd probably agree with 7thheaven tbh......chains over belts has to be good and less costly.....can't see ther being a huge differential in costs anywhere. Also and as stated the 2.7 will do the same work as the 2.0 but at lower revs and should last longer!

tail light condensation / chrome door trim going milky or cloudy / issues have been common
Go for the 2.7 and get quattro as well;)
good luck

[adamss24]

The early v6 tdi's had one cambelt driving the cams, crank and water pump and a seperate belt for the injector pump. The 2.7 Tdi and 3.0 Tdi have 4 chains for the same job (!) and a rubber belt for driving the high pressure pump. I wonder wich will fail sooner ? Also the early CR v6 tdi (2.7, 3.0) had issues with the chain tensioners so beware if you hear any rattling from cold and they require the engine removal in order to repair wich will cost a lot in labour time !

[Chriseybaby]

I keep swaying between an A6 and a passat. My head says that the cheaper passat would be the best option, but I really want an A6 again

I'm not looking to buy until the end of Jan, early Feb so fingers crossed there will be some bargains around

So what do you guys think would be best, a 2.0 tdi with 120k on it or a 2.7 tdi with 160k on it?

[timdave25]

I was looking at A4/Passat 2.0tdi's but ended up buying a 2.7.... SOoooo much better. As people have already said there's no cam belt and the performance is perfect. But one thing which I noticed is the smoothness of the V6 and it's quieter at idl with less deisel rattle.

2.7/3.0 has my vote.

[ruggedscot]

I guess im a bit **** with cars - spent a lot of time looking and weighing up options and different cars - had an eye on saab but that fell away after a few days with a 95 aero - loved the performance but the economy was a frightmare. looked at a passat liked it but it felt unremarkable - wanted something a little different and something that would take the miles. Hate cam belts lol. Looked at a merc coupe and a volvo also looked at a mondeo and an A4. Liked the A6 more as it had a lot more room inside and a huge boot. Also felt that the A6 inside when compared to an A4 seemed to have a better feel about it. And the price was tempting me as there wasnt much in it between them. I opted for an A6 2.7 sline quattro and was about to buy it from audi glasgow - went and got the deposit and went back to the showroom and it was sold. went like that. So hunted through the websites and found one in harrogate an A6 SE with lots in it. ex company car full history etc. went down and bought it. Glad that I did and its been a good car. up at 75k now and its going strong. Def a difference between the quattro and 2wd in terms of driving you can feel the difference on the road.
I also had runs in the petrol and diesel and then the 2.0 and 2.7. although power is roughly similar 170 against 190 you will find torque is significantly different and also its more relaxed to drive - a much smoother engine and has a significant grunt compared to the 2.0 Found that the economy with the manual and 2wd is good and the car feels secure and balanced on the road if a little remote at times. Make sure it has the colour sat nav as the red display is pants. and if you can get one with bose you wont regret it. I met a guy at livingston with an A6 and chatted to him and he said that he had covered over 300k in his. Now thats respect ! If I can manage that then I will be well chuffed. Looking back I think that I made the right decision and think that the garage did me a favour by selling that sline - it is quite a difference in handling and suspension. The sline being much harder than the SE which is more cosetting. especially with heated seats this past month those have been excellent indeed.

[mabaudi]

I have had my 2.7quattro since June. Its an 06 SE with just 29k miles. Its not run it yet. Its my 4th A6 the previous one s were 1.9x2 and a 2.5. I'm very please with it. I spent months finding it with the correct spec and more importantly the lower emmisions making the road tax £245 and not £425.
Bare that in mind if you decide on the 2.7.

[Chriseybaby]

My main concern is that most of you have gotten reasonably low mileage examples. I would be looking at over 100k on a 2.0 or 150k+ on a 2.7

[adamss24]

My main concern is that most of you have gotten reasonably low mileage examples. I would be looking at over 100k on a 2.0 or 150k+ on a 2.7
That's because the "low" mileage models are clocked - common practice nowadays !
Nobody and i mean NOBODY will pay the extra premium on a new car in order to travel that little as its much cheaper to buy a petrol engine in the first place. With the diesel you need to do more than 15k a year in order to break even ! The only advantage with diesels are the residual values compared with petrol lumps ! I will rather buy a mint high mileage car than a low mileage one wich spent hours stuck in traffic ! I also dont care what the mileage is on the odometer as i buy the car not the dash ! If folks would not look for low mileage engined cars then there would not be crooks about ! So take the mileage with a pinch of salt !

[timdave25]

My main concern is that most of you have gotten reasonably low mileage examples. I would be looking at over 100k on a 2.0 or 150k+ on a 2.7

My 2005 model has done 100k (just turn this week). Feels as tight as the day it rolled off the production line.

I have learnt that you need to look at the car and the care it has received more than the miles. I would expect a modern deisel to do 200k.

If your looking at a high miller you could use a dianositic tester to read any historic fault codes, there are many minor codes which don't light up the dash but stored on the ECU.

[MFGF]

Are you looking at the older 2.0 TDi PD or the newer 2.0 TDi CR models? The newer engines seem to be more reliable from what I'm seeing (and experiencing).

MF.